17 killed in wave of anti-government protests in Peru

BOGOTA, Colombia

At least 17 people died and more than 40 others were injured Monday in the most tragic day since protests began in Peru a month ago.

Demonstrations against new President Dina Boluarte resumed last Wednesday in Juliaca, near the border with Bolivia after having subsided during the Christmas break. Protesters are demanding early elections and the release of Peru's jailed former President Pedro Castillo.

Castillo was ousted and arrested on Dec. 7 after attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree in an effort to avoid impeachment over allegations of corruption.

His removal from office sparked days of nationwide violent protests which have left more than 40 people dead, according to the country's Ombudsman's Office

The agency has urged the Prosecutor's Office to carry out a prompt investigation to clarify the deaths that took place amid clashes between security forces and protesters attempting to seize control of Juliaca’s airport. A 17-year old was among those killed, according to local news reports.

"What is happening is a massacre among Peruvians. I ask for calm. Do not expose yourselves," the mayor of Juliaca, Oscar Caceres, told local media.

President Boluarte issued a statement saying she had already proposed to bring elections forward in Congress.

"It is not clear what you are asking for,” she said. “The only thing that was in my power was the advancement of elections, and I have already proposed it."

Meanwhile, the government on Monday banned the entry to Peru of former Bolivian President Evo Morales for "intervening" in the internal political affairs of the country.

Morales has expressed his support for the protests against Boluarte, which has led to an uprising in the border region between the two countries, according to the government.